The solicitations came after leaders of the Georgia state Senate threatened a jet-fuel tax break Monday for Delta because of the airline’s halt to a discount-fare program with the National Rifle Association.

Delta announced the change Saturday in an effort to stay out of the political debate over gun control after the Feb. 14 shooting deaths of 17 people at a Florida high school.

Even members of Congress are joining the recruitment. Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan tweeted that the quality of life and infrastructure in northwest Ohio would make a great headquarters for the airline.

“I’d love to show you around!” Ryan said.

Hey @Delta — Northeast Ohio would make a great HQ if you’re put off by Mr. Cagle’s authoritarian tendencies. Quality of life, infrastructure, and wonderful communities. I’d love to show you around! https://t.co/7Fsh9g0yAD

Local officials didn’t want to miss out on the action. Randall Woodfin, the mayor of Birmingham, Ala., invited a chat about moving Delta’s headquarters to his city.

The Georgia jabs came amid a serious debate over gun control and tax policy.

More than a dozen companies, including United Airlines, Metlife, Hertz, Avis and Best Western have ended marketing deals with NRA.

But the move instead thrust Delta into the center of the gun debate, potentially costing it a tax break estimated at $40 million that had already been approved as part of a larger package in the state House.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican who heads the Senate and is running for governor, threatened to kill any tax break for Delta unless the airline reversed course.

I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.

His full-throated advocacy became a rallying cry for conservative opposition to gun proposals. Cagle argued discriminating against law-abiding citizens wouldn’t solve the problem.

Discriminating against law-abiding gun owners will not solve the problem #2A#gapolpic.twitter.com/DqR6PePBd7

The NRA tweeted that “those on the left pushing for a boycott to pressure companies to drop discounts just shows how out of touch some are.”

Ultimately, our members are passionate #2A supporters. Having those on the left pushing for a boycott to pressure companies to drop discounts just shows how out of touch some are. #StandandFight#WeThePeople#NRAhttps://t.co/K6XrtxrYhB

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal pushed for the tax package but hasn’t commented on the Delta dispute.

Delta is an important business in the state, employing thousands with a hub at the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The airline hasn’t commented on the tax dispute.